Silver Lake would never have come to be without the many hands and minds of volunteers. It is wonderful to see that the camp has continued to be blessed by that spirit of volunteerism and service. Each year we depend on the talents and gifts of others to further the work of this ministry. The number of people that contribute their time and energy to work in the kitchen, on maintanance, leading an Arts session, participating in a work weekend, SMORG, or serving on the Board, is truly humbling. Silver Lake would never be able to operate without a community of support. We invite you to join this community. Below you will find information specifically about our summer opportunities but feel free to contact me for other ways to be involved. We are always open to new ideas and possibilities. Talk to you soon!

Dave Erb, Director

Volunteer Duties Around Camp

Kitchen: Each day the Head Cook prepares the meals at Silver Lake, with the help of a group of 4 – 6 volunteers. Work begins around 7:00 AM with a long break in the afternoon. The kitchen is a fun, energetic place where you laugh and talk and work… and best of all, clean up and dishes are taken care of by our resource staff.

Maintenance: One or two maintenance volunteers are needed each week at Silver Lake. We keep a running list of projects throughout the summer, from fixing and painting, to building and trail-work, there is always something interesting to do.

Arts Camp Studio Leaders: Camp 3: Arts for Everyone. Each year we find volunteers to lead a morning studio during one or both of our 4-day studio sessions. In the past volunteers have led a wide range of sessions including: drum making, soap stone carving, watercolour, paper making, book binding, beginner guitar, woodworking, drama, creative writing, puppetry, and even a creative mountain biking session. Perhaps there is something you would like to lead, or maybe you have someone to recommend. Please contact us if you are interested.

Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer. If you are hoping to bring children with you please check with the camp to see if special arrangements can be made.

How about accommodation?
There are several options for accommodation. Volunteers may bring their own tent or camping trailer. We can provide electrical hook-ups and a grassy spot not far from the wash-house. Volunteers may also request accommodation. There are three cozy volunteer cabins and several rooms in the house above the office.

Working out the details…

All churches and camps, as well as most other organizations are requiring more diligence in the screening of employees and volunteers. This is for the protection of the children under our care as well as the peace of mind for staff and volunteers. This means that all staff and volunteers are required to provide a current police records check. Though this can seem intimidating we (through the Ontario Camping Association) have an agreement with the Ontario Provincial Police to obtain police records check on behalf of our volunteers and staff. The returned forms are confidential and only the director has access to them. Click here to download the police check form and return it with your volunteer form.

Police Checks cost $25 each to get processed.  We are asking that each volunteer in 2010 send a $25 cheque to cover the cost of this. (It is good for three years, so you won’t have to do this every year).  If you choose to get one done at your own precinct that is also OK.  However, in our experience is that many other locations (especially in urban areas) charge quite a bit more than $25.
Instructions For Filling out the Police Check Form:
1. Fill out the boxes entitled “Applicant Information” and “Previous Address for the last five years”.
2. At the bottom of page one place “David Erb ” under the space labeled “Name”, “Director” under the space labeled “Title” and “Silver Lake Mennonite Camp” under the space labeled “Name of Organization”.
3. LEAVE THE TOP BOX ON PAGE TWO BLANK.
4. Sign your name and the current date under “Signature of Applicant” and “Date”.
- Please print off and fill out the Volunteer Form and the Medical Form and mail it in with your police check form.
- We will send you a confirmation of your dates along with a list of what to bring, a map, and arrival and departure times.

PLEASE NOTE 2011 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS  AND MEDICAL FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Medical Form

If you have any questions about the summer or other opportunities, please call Dave Erb, the camp Director at 519.422.1401 or by email.